Returning Chris Sale is dominating the first half while peppering the Atlanta Braves record books.

Chris Sale, who has battled in recent seasons to maintain his health, has rediscovery with the Atlanta Braves. Sale had an outstanding first half of the season, earning him an All-Star designation and a place in the team’s history books. With a 6-3 victory over the San Diego Padres on Sunday afternoon, the Atlanta Braves gained some momentum before the All-Star break. The Braves are now second in the National League East with a 53-42 record for the season. With a 50-49 record so far this season, the Padres are keeping themselves in the running for a National League wild card spot.

After pitching 5.0 innings and giving up one run on four hits, veteran left-hander Chris Sale won on Sunday, extending his incredible start to the season. He improved to 13-3 on the season with a 2.70 ERA after striking out four batters. Atlanta, which is attempting to recover from the loss of ace Spencer Strider, has found great solace in Sale, who was dealt to the Braves this past offseason. With the Boston Red Sox, Sale missed the majority of 2020–2023 due to injury, but he is currently fit and appears to be returning to his former form as a Cy Young contender. Despite not being able to pitch in the game, he was chosen an All-Star this season as well.

According to @StatsCentre, he has also written himself into the Braves history books thanks to his season: (Related) Fewest games since the season’s opening to date in which a pitcher has struck out 140 batters – @Braves franchise history: 16- Strider Spence (2023) 17. Smoltz (1996) 18- Sale (2024 against SDP on Sunday via his fourth of four Ks) 19- Vazquez Javier (2009) 20. Smoltz (1995) 21. In 1995, Greg Maddux

Due to the All-Star break, the Braves won’t play until Friday. They’ll return to play the St. Louis Cardinals in a weekend series.